Buhe, China

With a population of just 106,347, Buhe is a far cry from the glitz and glamor of China's megacities. The reality is a city where bureaucracy is a persistent headache and political connections matter more than merit. Buhe's history is intertwined with that of its former leader Ulanhu, whose son Buhe served as Chairman of Inner Mongolia for over a decade. While the city has produced distinguished political figures, for the average resident, life in this remote northern outpost is a grind.

Ultimately, Buhe is best suited for those with a strong stomach for China's notoriously heavy-handed government machinery, or with family ties that can navigate the system. For everyone else, the hassle may outweigh the allure.